A MULTI-AWARD-winning musician and highly respected songwriter are joining forces for a special concert next month.

Karine Polwart and Kim Edgar will perform at St Mary’s Parish Church in Haddington to raise money for Keep The Heid Mental Health Cafe.

The group was set up in the town in 2021 and aims to tackle mental health, social isolation and loneliness.

The idea has proven a great success and has since expanded into both Tranent and North Berwick.

Karine, who lives in Pathhead, is a keen supporter of the good cause and said: “Never has the need for mental health been so acute.

“Having a safe, accessible space for people in East Lothian to share stories and support each other is so important.

“I’m also really proud of my friend Emma Jackson, who set up the first Keep The Heid cafe in Haddington and who’s worked really hard with other pals to expand the cafes into Tranent and North Berwick too.”

Doors open at 7pm, with music getting under way at 7.30pm on June 28.

The recommended ticket price is £15 but concert-goers can opt to pay a little bit more at £20 or a little bit less at £10.

Karine and Kim are donating their time freely and all profits will go towards the running of Keep The Heid.

Kim writes, records and performs across the UK, Europe and the USA, both as a solo artist and as a member of the Germany-based folk band CARA.

She said: “I’m delighted to be able to support Keep The Heid and to perform with my friend and songwriting collaborator Karine Polwart. I’m passionate about the transformative power of music in people’s lives.”

Tickets are available online from Keep The Heid’s Facebook page or in person from Erica’s Florist on High Street.

Cafe sessions take place in Tranent’s The Fraser Centre on Tuesdays, in The Hope Rooms in North Berwick on Thursdays, and at The Trinity Centre in Haddington on Fridays.

Sessions run 7-9pm and there is no waiting list, no need for a referral or a formal diagnosis.

For more information on the cafe, see its Facebook page or email keeptheheidcafe@gmail.com